The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) is privileged and delighted to announce that Carl “The Jackal” Frampton, World Champion Boxer has become a NICIE patron and will publicly offer his support for Integrated Education.

Carl, who famously became a three-time world champion over two weight divisions, is a huge supporter of Integrated Education. Commenting on his decision to go public about this, Carl said “I am delighted to say that I fully support Integrated Education in Northern Ireland. It is great to see children and young people from all communities having the opportunity to learn together under one roof on a daily basis. That’s what integrated education offers, children can make friends and get to know one another no matter what their community background is. It’s my belief that this will make a big difference to their lives. In Northern Ireland we have many things that divide us but boxing is not one of these things as it harmonises and unifies the communities.”

Carl joins an impressive list of celebrity patrons of Integrated Education which includes Liam Neeson and Sir Kenneth Branagh.

Carl Frampton made history by becoming the first boxer from Northern Ireland to hold world titles at two different weights. Commenting on Carl’s decision to go public about his support for Integrated Education, NICIE Chief Executive Officer, Roisin Marshall said, “To say we are thrilled is an understatement, we in NICIE are overwhelmed and delighted to have Carl join us as a patron and supporter of the important work we do. The staff in NICIE are very passionate about educating children from different communities together and work hard to ensure as many Catholic, Protestant and other families as possible can avail of integrated education for their children. We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Carl for his support of Integrated Education. It means a great deal to all of us.”

Paying tribute to the work of all of those involved in Integrated Education, Carl said, “I am delighted to offer my public support for Integrated Education. It’s my intention to do whatever I can in the future to support NICIE in the vital work they do with parents, schools and young people to help bring more people together in Northern Ireland and make it a better place for all of us.”